Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: Welcome to ESI Africa Insights. For this episode I am speaking with Chanel Hingston, the Group Director for Power and Energy and Water at VUCA Group. Welcome Chanel.
[00:00:12] Speaker B: Hi Nicolette. Lovely to be here.
[00:00:15] Speaker A: Chanel. I'd like to start off with the fact that Inlet Africa is a flagship platform for dialogue on the continent. How do you see the event evolving to further ignite interest and and investment in Africa's infrastructure sectors?
[00:00:33] Speaker B: ENLIT Africa continues to deepen its impact as a convening platform by not just hosting dialogue, but catalyzing tangible action.
This year alone we've seen numerous strategic meetings taking place between stakeholders as well as high level partnership announcements that underscore investor confidence in the region's potential.
New this year is our project and investment network which is really a prime example of connecting developers, financiers and government with real time deal making opportunities.
Furthermore, our conference program has really developed in close collaboration with expert advisory boards which are really delivering sector specific intelligence across across power, water and infrastructure.
This deliberate curation really ensures that ENLIT Africa remains both future focused and grounded in African priorities.
[00:01:36] Speaker A: That has been amazing to see so many people engaging at ENIT Africa.
So VUCA Group events are association of African Exhibition Organizers award winners and I know this over a number of years. But what strategies are being implemented to ensure that African events remain resilient and continue to drive economic growth, especially in the post pandemic era?
[00:02:06] Speaker B: Our strategy is built around creating year round value.
By partnering with yourselves, ESI Africa, the magazine, as well as some of the industry insight content volumes, we ensure that exhibitors and speakers get to enjoy a platform long after the Expo floor closes.
We've also introduced fresh event formats like the CNI Energy Summit to reflect the evolving energy landscape and drive inclusivity.
Additionally, VUCA continues to explore new geographies, taking the conversation into regions where it really is needed most.
These steps not only strengthen Africa's event industry, but also embed economic stimulus and innovation into every engagement we host.
[00:03:01] Speaker A: It's always very good to be here at Emirates Africa and to see all of that engagement happening on the floor. But looking ahead, what can stakeholders expect from the next edition of INLIT Africa?
How will it build on the momentum of this year's success?
[00:03:18] Speaker B: Next year's Inlet Africa will take place from the 19th to the 21st of May 2026. Back here at the CTICC, we're already seeing some enthusiastic uptake in clients saying they want to come back next year due to the value that the event gives to them.
Proof that the momentum is real.
So building on this year's success, we're expecting our network and project and our events to kind of expand, as well as the matchmaking opportunities, creating more spaces for collaboration between public and private actors.
Expect deeper regional representation, new program structures, dreams, and an enhanced focus on infrastructure, financing and innovation.
Our goal really is to evolve from a leading event into a catalystic force where ideas become investment and partnerships turn into projects.
[00:04:21] Speaker A: Thank you so much, Chanel, for sharing that with us. Do you just want to give us the dates again for next year?
[00:04:27] Speaker B: So next year will take place between the 19th and the 21st of May, back here at the CTICC.
[00:04:33] Speaker A: Fantastic. Thank you so much.
Thank you everyone for tuning into this podcast. Tune in for the next episode and have a powerful day.
